53.3 F
Aptos
June 7, 2026

Hit and run suspect facing manslaughter charges

A Watsonville man is facing felony vehicular manslaughter charges after a woman he allegedly struck with his vehicle on June 5 died from her injuries.

Drug lab discovered in Aptos vacation home

Multiple Santa Cruz County law enforcement agencies responded Friday afternoon to the discovery of a butane honey oil (BHO) lab at 120 Sea Terrace Way in Aptos. Homeowners of the large vacation rental home were checking on the residence and noticed doors kicked in and a strong chemical smell coming from somewhere inside, Sgt. Brian Cleveland of the Santa Cruz County Sheriff’s Office said.

Begonia Festival organizes new event

CAPITOLA — Organizers of the Capitola Begonia Festival, which concluded in 2017 after 65 years, have formed a new event. At the conclusion of the final festival, the Capitola Begonia Festival Board of Directors developed a plan to honor past festivals and launch a new festival. The board formed the Capitola Beach Festival Committee.

Beach Festival gears up for inaugural event

When the Capitola Begonia Festival wrapped up its 65-year run in 2017, many in the community refused to let it go.

County approves charge for disposable cups

SANTA CRUZ—The Santa Cruz County Board of Supervisors on Tuesday laid the groundwork for a ban on single-use disposable cups by unanimously approving a 25-cent charge for the product at all food-service businesses. The charge will go into effect on July 1, 2020 if given...

Blooming business

For more than three decades Ana Ortega has been making folks happy. As the owner of Ana’s Flowers, a modest flower tent adjoining the long-standing Capitola Produce, she has thrown her talent and keen eye into making dazzling flower arrangements for everyone from everyday passersby to grand-scale events.

Rancho Del Mar project approved

The company will perform series of façade renovations at the center at State Park and Soquel drive

Aptos Coffee Roasting Company to close

A little more than three decades after opening in Rancho Del Mar Shopping Center, Aptos Coffee Roasting Company will be closing. Owner Bronson Baker made the announcement Thursday on Facebook. According to Baker, Terramar Retail Center LLC, which owns the property, declined to renew the business’ lease. It now has until Aug. 31 to vacate the building.

County surpasses $20 million in road repairs

With March 16 marking the one-year anniversary of a federal disaster declaration for January 2017 storms, the County of Santa Cruz announced the completion of more than $20 million in debris removal and road repairs, including several priority projects.

Aptos/La Selva fire district welcomes new chief

Aaron Lowe has been tapped as the new fire chief of the Aptos/La Selva Fire Protection District, the board of directors recently announced. Lowe was selected from a field of 31 applicants after a five-month nationwide recruitment process, according to fire district officials. His base salary is $190,000, according to a contract approved by the board of directors on April 12. “I’m truly excited about coming to the Aptos/La Selva area,” said Lowe, who begins his new post on April 23. “When this opportunity came up, I was thrilled. It’s quite an amazing opportunity that I did not want to pass up.”